Barbara Whitman
Latest News on Barbara Whitman:
NEXT TO NORMAL Original Broadway Cast Recording 15th Anniversary Edition Out Now (Jun 13, 2025)
Theater Mu Names Fran de Leon as Next Artistic Director (Jun 2, 2025)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Teases NYC Return (May 13, 2025)
NEXT TO NORMAL Original Broadway Cast Recording 15th Anniversary Edition Out Now (Jun 13, 2025)
Theater Mu Names Fran de Leon as Next Artistic Director (Jun 2, 2025)
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Teases NYC Return (May 13, 2025)
BIO
Whitman is the daughter of investment advisor Martin J. Whitman, namesake of the Martin J. Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. She has two brothers: James Whitman, a professor at Yale Law School, and Thomas Whitman, a professor of music at Swarthmore College. Her aunt is judge Phyllis W. Beck, who served on the Superior Court of Pennsylvania and was married to the University of Pennsylvania psychiatrist Aaron Beck. Her cousin is psychologist Judith S. Beck, who co-founded the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Whitman attended the Dalton School and graduated from the Elizabeth Seeger School. She attended Bennington College and graduated from New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study in 1988 and received an MFA from Columbia University School of the Arts in 2005.
Whitman is a former theater actress who made her Broadway debut producing A Raisin in the Sun (2004). She has won multiple Tony and Drama League Awards for producing Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Fun Home, Red, Angels in America, and The Humans.
In 2021, Whitman endowed the Barbara Whitman Award to support a female, trans or non-binary early-career stage director. She sits on the Board of Governors and the executive committee of the The Broadway League.
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Productions
Awards and Nominations
winner
Tony Awards - 2016 - Best Play
Barbara WhitmanThe Humans
winner
Tony Awards - 2015 - Best Musical
Barbara Whitman, Fun Home
winner
Tony Awards - 2014 - Best Revival of a Musical
Barbara Whitman, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Musical
Barbara Whitman, Next to Normal
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Play
Barbara Whitman, 33 Variations
Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Revival of a Play
Barbara Whitman, Mary Stuart
Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Musical
Barbara Whitman, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Musical
Barbara Whitman, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Tony Awards - 2004 - Best Revival of a Play
Barbara Whitman, A Raisin in the Sun
Videos
Video: Cast and Creatives Talk NEXT TO NORMAL at Barrington Stage
by Stephi Wild - 2024-09-04 06:53:59
Video: Inside Rehearsals for Barrington Stage's NEXT TO NORMAL Starring Natalie Joy Johnson
by Joshua Wright - 2024-08-06 10:49:52
Video: Caissie Levy Performs 'I Miss the Mountains' From NEXT TO NORMAL
by Stephi Wild - 2023-07-27 07:17:34
Video: Go Inside the GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR Opening Night Curtain Call!
by A.A. Cristi - 2023-04-25 22:47:36
Photos/Video: First Look at Sean Hayes and More in GOOD NIGHT, OSCAR Ahead of Tonight's Opening Night
by Show Highlights - 2023-04-24 10:44:52
VIDEO: See Patti LuPone Sing 'Back on Top' in the Recording Studio; WAR PAINT Cast Album Out This Month!
by BWW News Desk - 2017-05-12 11:18:05
VIDEO: Nick Kroll and John Mulaney Announce OH, HELLO On Broadway With Livestream Q&A
by Michael Dale - 2016-06-27 13:05:17
TV: Our Favorite Moment of the Bee? Chatting with the Company of the 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Reunion!
by TV - Red Carpets - 2015-07-08 10:02:56
STAGE TUBE: NEXT TO NORMAL's d'Arcy James Performs 'I've Been' on GMA!
by Jessica Lewis - 2010-05-27 14:38:52
News
NEXT TO NORMAL Original Broadway Cast Recording 15th Anniversary Edition Out Now
by Stephi Wild - Jun 13, 2025
The 15th Anniversary Edition of the Next to Normal Original Broadway Cast Recording has been released in its first-ever vinyl pressing and on CD, available now.
by Stephi Wild - Jun 13, 2025
The 15th Anniversary Edition of the Next to Normal Original Broadway Cast Recording has been released in its first-ever vinyl pressing and on CD, available now.
Theater Mu Names Fran de Leon as Next Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025
Theater Mu has chosen Fran de Leon to be its next artistic director, effective as of June 2 with a full transition into the role by the end of 2025. Learn more about De Leon here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jun 2, 2025
Theater Mu has chosen Fran de Leon to be its next artistic director, effective as of June 2 with a full transition into the role by the end of 2025. Learn more about De Leon here!
THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE Teases NYC Return
by Michael Major - May 13, 2025
Is the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee returning to New York City? A mysterious new website and social media account are teasing a potential new production of thr Tony-winning musical.
by Michael Major - May 13, 2025
Is the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee returning to New York City? A mysterious new website and social media account are teasing a potential new production of thr Tony-winning musical.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, NEXT TO NORMAL And More Set for 2025/26 Denver Center Theatre Company Season
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2025
Denver Center Theatre Company has announced the 2025/26 season for the regional producing theatre arm of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 26, 2025
Denver Center Theatre Company has announced the 2025/26 season for the regional producing theatre arm of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA).
SDCF Reveals Recipient and Finalists for 2025 Barbara Whitman Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation revealed the recipient and four finalists for the 2025 Barbara Whitman Award. Learn more about the award here!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation revealed the recipient and four finalists for the 2025 Barbara Whitman Award. Learn more about the award here!
Tisch New Theatre To Present Tony Award-Winning Musical FUN HOME
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025
NYU's Tisch New Theatre will present Fun Home Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors from April 26th to May 4th, 2025. Welcome to the Fun Home, and be sure to wipe your shoes at the door.
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 15, 2025
NYU's Tisch New Theatre will present Fun Home Off-Broadway at the American Theatre of Actors from April 26th to May 4th, 2025. Welcome to the Fun Home, and be sure to wipe your shoes at the door.
CEILIDH: A NEW MUSICAL to Make North American Premiere in Baltimore This Fall
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025
Producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman and Alan Cumming have announced that the new musical Ceilidh, based on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs, will make its North American premiere in Baltimore, MD this fall.
by Emmy Rice - Apr 4, 2025
Producers Grove Entertainment (Beth Williams, Mindy Rich), Barbara Whitman and Alan Cumming have announced that the new musical Ceilidh, based on one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved customs, will make its North American premiere in Baltimore, MD this fall.
NEXT TO NORMAL to be Presented at Spotlight Repertory Theatre in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025
Spotlight Repertory Theatre will present Next to Normal, the musical that redefined contemporary theatre, directed by Jacques Stewart. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 18, 2025
Spotlight Repertory Theatre will present Next to Normal, the musical that redefined contemporary theatre, directed by Jacques Stewart. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Applications for 4th Year of 1/52 Project Now Open
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025
Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, revealed applications for the fourth year of The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program for early career designers, founded by Boritt and a group of Broadway designers, are now open for the 2025 cycle.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 6, 2025
Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, revealed applications for the fourth year of The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program for early career designers, founded by Boritt and a group of Broadway designers, are now open for the 2025 cycle.
The Ma'ayanot H.S./Black Box Studios Drama Society Will Perform THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by Stephi Wild - Nov 26, 2024
The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, will present THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE this December.
by Stephi Wild - Nov 26, 2024
The Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School Drama Society, in ongoing partnership with Black Box Studios, will present THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE this December.
Performers Announced For A TECTONIC CABARET In October
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 27, 2024
Tectonic Theater Project's annual gala A Tectonic Cabaret will take place at Current (Pier 59 Chelsea Piers) starting with a 6:30 PM cocktail hour and performances beginning at 7:30 PM.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 27, 2024
Tectonic Theater Project's annual gala A Tectonic Cabaret will take place at Current (Pier 59 Chelsea Piers) starting with a 6:30 PM cocktail hour and performances beginning at 7:30 PM.
Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation Announces Liz Diamond as New SDCF Board President
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2024
Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 9, 2024
Liz Diamond, Jonathan Parker, and Barbara Whitman have been announced as new members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Foundation (SDCF) Board of Trustees, bringing their extensive experience to the organization.
Tony Winner Beowulf Boritt's 1/52 Project Reveals Nine Early Career Designer Recipients
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2024
The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, has selected third round of nine early-career designer recipients to benefit from $150,000 in grants.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 9, 2024
The 1/52 Project, the financial grant program founded by Tony Award-winning set designer Beowulf Boritt, has selected third round of nine early-career designer recipients to benefit from $150,000 in grants.
Video: Cast and Creatives Talk NEXT TO NORMAL at Barrington Stage
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2024
In an all new panel discussion, cast and creative team members talked about Next to Normal, which is now in production at Barrington Stage. The panel delves into the themes of mental health and family dynamics presented in Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s musical. Check out the video here!
by Stephi Wild - Sep 4, 2024
In an all new panel discussion, cast and creative team members talked about Next to Normal, which is now in production at Barrington Stage. The panel delves into the themes of mental health and family dynamics presented in Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt’s musical. Check out the video here!
Beanie Feldstein, Kevin McHale, Noah Galvin to Star in SPELLING BEE at the Kennedy Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2024
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts revealed the complete cast and creative team for the Broadway Center Stage production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See who is starring!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 29, 2024
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts revealed the complete cast and creative team for the Broadway Center Stage production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. See who is starring!
BWW Q&A: Natalie Joy Johnson on NEXT TO NORMAL at Barrington Stage Company
by Joshua Wright - Aug 21, 2024
We spoke to Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka about starring in Barrington Stage's Next to Normal, directed by Artistic Director Alan Paul, in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC.
by Joshua Wright - Aug 21, 2024
We spoke to Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka about starring in Barrington Stage's Next to Normal, directed by Artistic Director Alan Paul, in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC.
Photos: Natalie Joy Johnson, Alan H. Green, and More in NEXT TO NORMAL at Barrington Stage Company
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 18, 2024
Check out production photos for Next to Normal at Barrington Stage Company starring Natalie Joy Johnson, Alan H. Green, and more here!
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 18, 2024
Check out production photos for Next to Normal at Barrington Stage Company starring Natalie Joy Johnson, Alan H. Green, and more here!
Listen: NEXT TO NORMAL Cast Recording 15th Anniversary Edition Out Now
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 9, 2024
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of NEXT TO NORMAL with a newly remixed and remastered Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring updates from composer and album co-producer Tom Kitt. Listen now!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 9, 2024
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of NEXT TO NORMAL with a newly remixed and remastered Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring updates from composer and album co-producer Tom Kitt. Listen now!
Exclusive: Hear A Reimagined 'You Don't Know' From NEXT TO NORMAL: 15th Anniversary
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2024
Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [15th Anniversary Edition], will be released in streaming and digital formats on Friday, August 9.
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 8, 2024
Next to Normal (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [15th Anniversary Edition], will be released in streaming and digital formats on Friday, August 9.
Video: Inside Rehearsals for Barrington Stage's NEXT TO NORMAL Starring Natalie Joy Johnson
by Joshua Wright - Aug 6, 2024
Go inside rehearsals for Barrington Stage's Next to Normal directed by Artistic Director Alan Paul (August 13-September 8), in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. The production stars Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka.
by Joshua Wright - Aug 6, 2024
Go inside rehearsals for Barrington Stage's Next to Normal directed by Artistic Director Alan Paul (August 13-September 8), in a co-production with Round House Theatre in Washington, DC. The production stars Natalie Joy Johnson, most recently seen on Broadway in Lempicka.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What awards has Barbara Whitman been nominated for?
Best Play (Tony Awards) for The Humans, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Fun Home, Best Revival of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Next to Normal, Best Play (Tony Awards) for 33 Variations, Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for Mary Stuart, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Best Musical (Tony Awards) for The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Best Revival of a Play (Tony Awards) for A Raisin in the Sun.
What awards has Barbara Whitman won?
Barbara Whitman has won several Tony Awards, including Best Play for The Humans, Best Musical for Fun Home, and Best Revival of a Musical for Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Videos